Sunday, December 18, 2011

Mammoth weekend turnout at KIBF 2011

Jumbo Editorial Team

The 7th Karachi International Book Fair 2011 has already drawn huge crowds on the first three days and the total number of visitors at the five-day event of Expo Centre in Gulshan-e-Iqbal is expected to cross the magical figure of 300,000.

“Surely we have had a bigger turnout in this event than in the past editions which is a clear reflection of its growing popularity among the masses. The people of Karachi have a passion for reading and almost everyone coming here is returning with a shopper full of books,” Owais Mirza Jamil, Convener, KIBF, observed while talking to the media on December 18.

“Look people of all ages have reached this spot. They have come from different areas of the city. The parking lot is full with cars and motorcycles. Outside Expo Centre there is huge activity of public transport causing jams. Big queues are being witnesses at the entry points. The book culture is very much alive and kicking in Karachi,” he said while pointing towards the crowded halls and corridors.

Aziz Khalid, Chairman, Pakistan Publishers & Booksellers Association (PPBA), was also greatly satisfied with the large gathering on the first three days with even greater rush being anticipated on the last couple of days.

“The most heartening feature of the KIBF is the positive role of the young mothers who are constantly encouraging their tiny tots to purchase lots of books of their choice. These kids will definitely develop passion for reading from the childhood which augurs so well for the society,” he reckoned.

Nadeem Mazhar, a member of the Managing Committee of the 7th KIBF 2011, was also thrilled with the presence of thousands of bookworms, adding that the people of Karachi love to read books and they look forward to this fair throughout the year.